Overview
Donard Park is where the path up Slieve Donard begins, and many of the people in its car park are heading for the mountain rather than the picnic lawns. It is at the southern end of Newcastle in County Down, a short walk from the promenade, with the Glen River forming one boundary and the bulk of Slieve Donard rising behind it. If you are not climbing, the most rewarding short outing is the walk up into Donard Forest by the Glen River. The forest service guide points out the Glen River Bridge, where you can see cascades downstream. Expect uneven ground on the forest paths.
History
The Annesley family gave the grounds over to the people of Newcastle in the early 20th century, and for a quiet town park it has seen a remarkable amount of soldiering. During the First World War, the 10th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles trained at Donard Lodge here before being sent to the Somme. In October 1943 the U.S. Army’s 5th Infantry Division camped in the park while preparing for the D-Day landings. The main entrance and car park were redeveloped in 2006; plans floated around that time for a swimming pool and a cycling velodrome came to nothing, and the land kept its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.
Walking and outdoor activities
The Glen River forest paths
For most walkers, Donard Park is the launchpad for the Glen River route. The trail follows the river up through old woodland of oak, birch and Scots pine, crossing old stone bridges. The forest was planted in 1927, and its north-east corner is a designated Heritage Stand of Scots and Corsican pine, home to the Holly Blue butterfly. One stretch needs care: above the first bridge the riverbank overhangs a deep-cut channel, so keep back from the edge with children and dogs. The lower Glen River paths are a shorter option if the mountain is in cloud.
The climb to Slieve Donard
The route up Slieve Donard leaves the woods and climbs steep, uneven ground toward the Mourne Wall and summit. Treat it as a mountain day: it has stone-paved sections and ground that turns slick after rain, so wear proper boots rather than trainers. Check visibility, wind and daylight before setting out and read the National Trust route and access notes.
The Mourne Wall and summit cairns
At the saddle you meet the Mourne Wall, the dry-stone wall built between 1904 and 1922 to enclose the mountain catchment that feeds Newcastle and the Silent Valley reservoirs, not, as is sometimes said, to keep sheep off the slopes. It is a listed structure, so walk beside it rather than on it. Two prehistoric cairns mark the summit: the Great Cairn and a smaller Bronze Age cairn beside it. On a clear day the view runs out across the sea and along the coast, with Newcastle beach below. The cliffs on the north side, the Eagle Rocks, are steep and best avoided on foot, so return the way you came.
Sports and family recreation
If the mountain isn’t the plan, the park has pitches used by local clubs and schools, a YMCA centre with camping for groups, and picnic tables among the pines. The flat ground near the pitches and lawns is easy going; the forest tracks and mountain path are not.
Practical information
Getting there
Donard car park serves the park and forest. Check for space on busy summer days and allow extra time if you are setting out for the mountain.
Public transport
If arriving by bus, use the Translink journey planner for Newcastle and walk to the park from town.
Facilities, accessibility and dogs
Accessible toilets are available. The paved areas around the pitches and lawns are easier going; the mountain trail, with its steep, uneven and stone-paved sections, is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Keep dogs on leads, especially on the trail during the spring lambing and grazing season.
Weather and safety
Mourne weather turns fast and the wind picks up near the top, so pack layers, waterproofs and proper boots. Phone reception can be patchy high up; carry a charged phone and a paper map or compass.
Alternative routes and nearby attractions
Within easy reach of Donard Park:
- Newcastle beach, a short walk from the park
- Kilbroney Park – woodland walks, a castle ruin and the Cloughmore stone
- Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark – a UNESCO Global Geopark
- Bloody Bridge – another river path onto the Mournes
- Tollymore Forest Park – the National Outdoor Centre and extensive family trails
Check the Mountain Weather Information Service forecast before you head up the Glen River.